Chapter 9: Deprivation

The scene shifts to a conference room in the Clarvain Marquis family’s mansion.

The room was filled with a heavy atmosphere.

“So, what’s the status of Leonhart?” 

Arthur, my father, asked the elderly priest.

“Marquis, I’m terribly sorry, but… I can’t accurately determine the current state of your son, Leonhart-sama. However, the power of the fire attribute is extraordinarily strong. Though I’ve been a priest for a long time, this is the first time I’ve seen something like this…”

The elderly priest spoke with a sense of humility.

Well, that’s understandable. I’ve inherited Ifrit’s power. In terms of fire attribute aptitude, I might be the best in the world.

And that high aptitude was what triggered the incident.

“May I ask in return? Marquis, do you have any insights into your son’s change?”

“…None. Is there something wrong with you Leonhart?”

“Father, I don’t know either.”

Well, I know the cause, but I’ll pretend I don’t. That’s the promise with Ifrit.

Ifrit’s presence can also be a source of support for Celia.

Moreover, if it’s discovered that I’ve inherited Ifrit’s power, it would inevitably lead to suspicions about the shadow of Celestine, the last member of the royal family of the Lucrelle Kingdom, surrounding me. That wouldn’t be good.

“Has Leonhart’s attribute been reduced to just one? Are you saying Leonhart has lost the protection of five spirits?”

Arthur was hitting a sore spot. Is this the reason I’m going to be removed from the position of heir?

“That is correct, but the protection of the fire attribute more than makes up for it. No one else, even among royalty, could have such profound protection.”

“I see… What do you think about treating Leonhart as the heir?”

The elderly priest, questioned by Arthur, glanced briefly at me before speaking.

“To be honest, I don’t know. It’s a matter of choosing between the deep affection from the spirits or the number of attributes.”

“I see… But no matter how profound the protection is, having only one attribute is unacceptable. Those who weren’t present today will surely regard it with skepticism if they hear about it. I wouldn’t have believed it myself if I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes.”

Hmm… This isn’t looking good.

“Father, are you saying you’ll remove me from the position of heir…?”

I made my face as sorrowful as possible and pleaded with Arthur.

Next to Arthur, Edgar was wearing a twisted smile.

“It will be so. The loss of attributes and the trust from the spirits is too significant. No amount of excuses can change the negative impression. The heir will be Edgar.”

Seriously…

“Father…”

I found myself murmuring in a desperate tone. Perhaps it was a moment of weakness from the part of me that still identified as Leonhart.

“Leonhart, we recognize your exceptional talent. However, losing five attributes is too damaging to our reputation. You said you have no idea why this happened to you? That’s not acceptable. Think carefully about why you lost the trust of the spirits. As you know, magic involves opposing relationships. What matters is not the quality of the attributes you can control, but the quantity.”

Having said that, Arthur turned his attention to Edgar.

“Edgar, make sure you don’t follow in Leonhart’s footsteps, okay? You have five attributes. From now on, act in a manner befitting the heir of the Clarvain Marquis family.”

“Yes! I, Edgar, will never become like my foolish brother.”

“Good.”

Arthur nodded with satisfaction, looking at Edgar’s beaming smile.

“So, what will you do about this?” 

My mother, Benedicta, looked at me with a disappointed gaze. It felt as if she was silently saying I was no longer considered human.

For someone as proud as Benedicta, having given birth to someone with fewer attributes than even commoners might be a past she wishes to erase.

“Well. For now, he will remain as part of the Clarvain Marquis family.”

“Will you not demote him to a commoner?”

“If that happens, there would be only Edgar left as the child of the Clarvain Marquis family. We need to have a backup plan for everything.”

“…I see.”

Benedicta, showing no effort to hide her dissatisfaction, and Arthur, who coldly referred to me as a mere backup, might be acting correctly from a noble’s perspective, but it’s a heartless thing.

I had anticipated this outcome, but experiencing it firsthand was still emotionally impactful.

Well, this is probably just the beginning. Eventually, even the servants will look down on me.

An event where the jewels on a staff shine like the sun wasn’t in the original game or the official settings materials. It was pathetic to think for even a moment that things might somehow turn out okay.

Arthur and Benedicta left with the elderly priest, as if their discussion was concluded.

I was left alone with Edgar.

Edgar, about to leave the conference room, stopped and turned back to me.

“Oh, and Leonhart. Hand over the slave you’re keeping. That way, I’ll forgive you for the previous disrespect.”

What is he talking about…?

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